Nintendo confirms it won’t release a new model of the Switch in 2020

Nintendo has confirmed it won’t be launching a new model of its popular console this year, putting to rest a number of rumours that have been doing the rounds lately. 

The Nintendo Switch originally launched back in March 2017, with the Lite being released in the latter months of last year to huge success. So, it would be a little unusual for a new and improved console to come so soon. 

“Please note that we have no plans to launch a new Nintendo Switch model during 2020,” said Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa during a corporate management policy briefing last week. 

Part of the company’s reasoning sits with the recent release of Nintendo Switch Lite, a platform they hope to expand and reach new audiences in the coming months. “We feel that we have not yet fully communicated the special features and appeal of Nintendo Switch Lite, so we will continue to address this going forward,” explained Furukawa. 

Related: Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games 

So, this means that players don’t need to worry about forking out for a new and improved console in the coming 12 months, unless they’re itching to shell out for a limited-edition unit like this gorgeous one based on Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Despite the presumed lack of new hardware in 2020, the Nintendo Switch still has an incredibly busy year of releases ahead of it. The expansion pass for Pokemon Sword and Shield will expand upon the best-selling RPG, while other big titles such as Bayonetta 3 and Breath of the Wild 2 await us on the horizon.

It’s worth noting a major Nintendo Direct hasn’t taken place this year, which is normally a hotbed for new game announcements and updates on existing titles. Nintendo has a habit of foregoing traditional trade shows nowadays so expect one of them in the near future.